How RFID stocking and safety lockers upgrade UTLX's workflow
September 6, 2024
By the Blue Print Editorial Team
By the Blue Print Editorial Team
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Without UTLX, many railcars across the country wouldn’t be rolling on the tracks. As part of the Marmon Group, UTLX repairs railroad cars, which involves welding, painting, etc. Whether it’s transporting product or mending tank cars, UTLX makes the industry safer.
To keep their team safe and productive, the amount of PPE and inventory UTLX uses is impressive. Enter stage left: Fastenal’s RFID bins and lockers. UTLX train repair by the numbers
Tailored to fitThe Goal: Save on workers' time and increase their productivity by revamping how they order and organize stock.
The Solution: Fastenal's bin stock and locker programs. The bin stock devices have RFID sensors that detect empty product bins and automatically order on your behalf. The lockers act as a central storage hub and can track who took what product. UTLX needed custom solutions. Sure, they use nuts and bolts but also paint cans, welding helmets, and large wire spools. Rather than keep these items on shelves or in a closet – or worse, not have them on site – Fastenal and UTLX created an automatic reorder system using RFID tags. When running low, workers simply place the right equipment tag in an enclosure. That’s it. That’s the whole process. The enclosure’s sensors detect the tag and automatically place an order. No one needs to fill out a PO. The item just arrives at the facility while workers keep doing their thing. Elements of efficiencySaves time and prevents stock-outs: RFID sensors dull the stress of potential stock-outs. Workers also don't worry about ordering supplies themselves, leaving more time to repair tank cars for the tracks.
Improves organization: two reasons UTLX uses FASTVend lockers for safety equipment.
Q&A with Jon Condos, EHS Manager for UTLXQ: How have the RFID bins and tags helped?
A: We have them in paint, mechanical, everywhere. It's just to establish that helpfulness of not having the human error of ordering something; it is done for you automatically and working very well. Q: How have the RFID bins helped the people who need them? A: Anytime somebody needs to replace their gear, their supervisor or myself can automatically get them what they need without having to wait or having a stock-out. Q: What went into customizing the lockers units for your safety equipment? A: I worked closely with the Fastenal team here, and we put high-ticket items in a locker - lanyards, harnesses, welding hoods - things people need but also items I don't want to forget to order. If I'm gone, the RFID system takes control; it helps make sure everybody is always safe. Q: Who are some vendors Fastenal has helped you interact with better? A: We've dealt with Milwaukee, 3M, HexArmor, RPB. They've been brought in to help us with PPE needs, safety needs, material needs. All these vendors Fastenal brought us have done excellent work, getting us the best equipment in a timely manner. Vertical Divider
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